Chemical companies praised at prestigious USA trade show

The event is the leading trade show in America for the fine, custom and speciality chemical manufacturing industry, with visitors from all over the world representing a broad range of specialisms including adhesives, electronics, agrochemicals, biopharmaceuticals, plastics, paints and more. UK Trade & Investment's North West International Trade team organised the UK Pavilion at the exhibition, offering UK chemical companies a cost-effective package, which included graphics and pre-show promotion plus additional assistance on market overviews and warmed leads from the British Embassy's commercial staff in the USA. The Gala Dinner was the first in the twenty-year history of the trade show, and was attended by over 650 high profile delegates. General Colin Powell was keynote speaker, and praised the importance of the chemical industry, suggesting that it was groups like the attendees of Informex that would add to the health and happiness of the global population in years to come. General Powell said: “When you are thinking about making that next deal or about helping your company become more profitable, I want you to take a moment to remember that your work and the work of people like you are making an important contribution to the well-being of humankind in the future.” General Powell also mingled with companies at the UKTI sponsored pre-dinner drinks reception, where Tricia Francis, UKTI North West's lead International Trade Adviser for the Chemical Sector, arranged for several UK delegates to meet him, including Susan Brench of Merseyside and Cumbria based Pentagon Chemicals and Mike Holding, MD of Contract Chemicals in Prescot, Merseyside. Pentagon chemicals, based in both Workington, Cumbria and Halebank, Merseyside, manufacture speciality and fine chemical products serving a wide range of industries including agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, fragrances, textiles, paper, glues, plastics and many more. The business also produces a number of important oil and fuel additives at the Workington site. Business Manager Susan Brench (pictured second from left with Colin Powell) said: “Informex is the foremost exhibition for custom, fine and speciality chemical manufacture for the US market. The 2008 event in New Orleans proved to be a resounding success for Pentagon Chemicals. It afforded a time and cost-effective opportunity to meet with existing and new customers in one location. Attendees at the show were of high quality and the networking and showcase sessions were invaluable for developing new contacts and market knowledge. “ For further information on UK Trade & Investment services, contact the North West International Trade Team Tel: 0845 603 7053